Pipe and valve for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough



Dec. 5, 1939. J. B. HENNEssY 2,182,724

PIPE AND VALVE FOR CONTROLLING THE FLOW 0F FLUID THERETHROUGH Filed June 6, 1938 of three or more Patented Dec. .5, 1939 PATENT OFFICE PIPE AND VALVE FLow 0F.

FOR CONTROLIJNG THE FLUID 'ITHER'E'IHB.OUGHV John Brendan Hennessy, San Francisco,

ogm.

Application June 6, 1938, Serial No. 212,181 1 Claim. (Cl. 137-78) This invention relates to pipes and valves for controlling the ilow of iluid therethrough. My invention more particularly relates to the provision of pipes with valves permitting the ilow of uid therethrough to be controlled from any one points, regardless of distance therebetween, so that the fluid ow through a system as a whole may be stopped or started from any one selected of three or more valve control points at any time, and this by merely operating a valve at such one selected valve control point, and without the necessity for changing the position of any of the such valve control points.

Various other. objects and advantages of the invention will be obvious from the following parcular description of embodiments of my inven- The various features of novelty which characterize my invention are pointed out with particularity in the claim annexed hereto and forming a part of this specication, but for a better understanding of the invention, however, its ad.1 vantages and specic objects obtained with its use, reference should behad to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which I have illustrated and described the best forms of my invention.

In the accompanying drawing Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of my invention.

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of various-forms of compound valves which may be utilized in my invention.

, Fig. 5 is a. cross-sectional view on line 5-5 of .Flg. 4.

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of still other forms of compound valves which may be utilized in my invention.

As .shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing, an inlet huid-supply pipe I0 communicates with two inlet pipe branches, identified as upper inlet branch pipe II and lower inlet branch pipe I2, while an outletfiuid-,supply pipe I3 lcommunicates with two outlet pipe branches, identied as upper outlet branch'pipe Il and lower outlet branch pipe I5. In upper inlet branch pipe-II and lower inlet branch pipe I2 are located valves I6 and I1, respectively, which are connected by valve arms I6 and |1', respectively, to connecting link I1 for simultaneous movement, so that when valve I6 is open, valve I1 is closed, and when valve I1 is open, valve I6 is closed. Similarly, in upper outlet branch pipe Il and lower outlet branch pipe I5 are located valves I8 and I9, respectively, which are connected by valve arms I8 and |9,

` inlet branches is closed, and similarly will permit valves at any of the other respectively, to connecting link I9" for simultaneous movement, so that when valve I9 is open, valve I9 is closed, and when valve I9 is open, valve I8 is closed. However, instead of being controlled by valves of the type shown in Fig. 1, 6

-the inlet branches and the outlet branches may be provided with other forms of valves which would permit the ow in one of such two inlet branches to be open when the iiow in the other of such two 10 the flow in one of lsuch two outlet branches to be open when the flow in the other of such two outlet branches is closed.

Communication between upper inlet branch pipe II and upper outlet branch pipe I4 is provided by upper central pipe section 20, in which is located the valve 2|. Lower central pipe section, 22 communicates directly with lower inlet branch pipe I2 and also communicates, through cross-connecting pipe 23, with upper central section 20 and upper outlet branch pipe I4 at a point 24 intermediate the valves 2| and I8. In

lower central section 22 is located a valve 25, which is connected with valve 2| by their respective valve arms 25 and 2|' to a link 25" for si- 25 multaneous movement, so that when valve 2| is open, valve 25 is closed and when valve 25 is open, valve 2| is closed. Lower outlet branch pipe I5 communicates with intermediate upper branch 2B and intermediate lower branch 21. Of these, intermediate upper branch 26 communicates with lower inlet branch pipe I2 and lower central section=22 at a point 2 8 intermediate valves I1 and 25, while intermediate lower branch 21 communicates with upper inlet branch pipe II and upper central section 20 at a point 28 intermediate valves I 6 and' 2|. In intermediate upper branch 26 is located a valve 29 which is connected with valve 2| by their respective valve arms 29 and 2 I to link 25" for simultaneous opening and closing movement. In intermediate lower branch 21 is located a valve 30 which is connected with valve 25 by their respective valve arms 30 and 25 to link 25" for simultaneous opening and closing movement.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 2, a compound valve body 200 of a rotary plug form fits rotatably within a cylindrical valve casing 20| to which is removably secured. a valve head 202 having a central round aperture therethrough to receive in watertight relation a cylindrical valve stem 203 connecting the valve body 200 to a handle 204 for operating such compound valve. In the valve body 200 are four ports 205, 206, 201 and 209 which are so related that when valve 200 u is turned so 200. it simultaneously opem pipe 220 thrcillh port 206. and at the same time closes both pipe 221 and pipe 222 through ports 201 and 200. respectively, since such latter two ports 201 and 200 extend at right angles to ports 205 and 200. Upon rotating the valve 200 through 90 degrees it will be obvious that the ports 201 and 200 may be put in communication with pipes 221 and 222, respectively, and at the same time ports 200 and 206 will be moved out of registration and communication with pipes 220 and 220, respectively.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 3, a compound valve 300 of a reciprocating plus form fits slidably within a cylindrical valve casing to which is removably secured a valve head 302 having a central square aperture therethrough to receive in watertight relation a square stem 303 connecting the valve body 300 with a handle 304 for operating such compound valve. In the valve body 300 are four ports 300, 306, 301 and 300 which are substantially parallel to each other and so spaced apart that when the valve 300 is in the position shown in Fig. 3 to open pipe 320 through port 305, it simultaneously opens pipe 326 through port 306, and at the same time closes both pipe 321 and pipe 322 through ports 301 and 306, respectively, since such latter ports 301 and 306 in such position are out of register with pipes 321 and 322, respectively. Upon reciprocating the valve 300 upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 3, it will be obvious that the ports 301 and 300 may be put in communication with pipes 321 and 322, respectively, and at the same time ports 305 and 306 will be moved out of register and communication with pipes 320 and 320, respecthe invention shown in Figs. 4

, and 5, a compound valve stem 402, having its outer end provided with an operating handle 403, is threaded through the upper end 404 of a compound valve casing which is divided into chambers 405, 406, 401, 400 and 400 by partition walls apertured to provide valve seats 400', 401', 400' and 406' for valves 406", 401", 400" and 400". respectively, which valves are integral with or mounted on the valve stem 402 which extends centrally through the valve casing and is guided therein by having its lower end slidable in a socket 4|0 in the bottom of the valve casing. Inlet pipes 4|| and 4|2 open directly into chambers 406 and 406, respectively.' and outlet pipes 0|4 and 4|5 open directly into chambers 405 and 401, respectively, while chamber 409 with outlet pipe 4I4..

The form of the invention shown in Fig. 6 dii!- fers from that shown in Fig. 4 only in providing a partition 6|3 to divide thev central chamber into upper and lower spaces, respectively 0|0 and 6|1, and in providing the outlets of chamber 605, upper space 6|0 and lower space 0|1 and chamber 6|0 with one-way check valves 0|0, 0|0, v

620 and 62|, respectively.

Referring to both Figs. 4 and 6, it is pointed out that, instead of being threaded, the valve stem might be un-threaded and have a sliding reciprocating movement similar to that of well-known valves in an internal combustion engine,

In the form of the invention as shown in Fia. '1 of the drawing, upper inlet pipe 1|| and lower inlet pipe 1 I 2 correspond with upper inlet branch pipe and lower inlet branch pipe I2 oi' Fig. 1, and similarly upper outlet pipe 1|4 and lower outlet pipe 1 I5 correspond with upper outlet branch pipe M and lower outlet branch pipe I0 branch pipe 423 connects maar of Ik. 1. A cylindrical vided with diametricaliy Uwllte ports 122 which are in 1|| and outlet pipe 1|4. valve casing 123 is provided with diametricail! opposite ports 124 and 125 which are in communication with inlet pipe 1|2 and outlet pipe 1|5, respectively. Spaced 90 degrees'irom the ports 12 and 122 in valve casing 120 are diametrically opposite ports 126 and 121 which are in communication with cross-connecting pipe 120 and upper branch pipe 120, respectively. Similarly, spaced 90 degrees from the ports 124 and 125 in valve casing 123 are diametrically opposite ports 130 and 13| which are in communication with cross-connecting pipe 132 and lower branch pipe 133, respectively. Cross-connecting pipe 120 connects with inlet pipe 1|2 at-point 134 while cross-connecting pipe 132 connects with inlet pipe 1| at point 135. Also branch pipe 126 leads into outlet pipe 1|4 at point 136, while branch pipe 133 leads into outlet pipe 1|5 at point 131. Rotatably mounted within valve casings 120 and 123 are valve plugs 136 and 136, respectively, which are connected by valve arms 140 and 14|, respectively, to connecting link 142 ior simultaneous movement. However, instead of being mounted as shown in Fig. 1, the valves may be mounted and linked together in any suitable manner, as for example, they may be mounted one above the other and their respective valve plugs rotated simultaneously by the same valve post or stem. Extending diametrically through plug 130 is a port 143 which is adapted in one position to put in communication the oppositely positioned casing ports 12| and 122, and in another position to put in communication the oppositely positioned ports 126 and 121. Similarly, extending diametrically through plug136 is a port 144 which is adapted in one position to put in communication the oppositely positioned casing ports 124 and 125, and in another position to put in communication oppositely positioned ports 130 and 13|.

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 8, a compound valve body 000 of a rotary plug form fits rotatably within a cylindrical valve casing 00|. Equallyi spaced circumferentially in the valve casing 60| and all in thesame plane, are four ports 602, 003, 604 and 005 which are in communication respectively with inlet pipe 0| I, outlet pipe 0|4, outlet pipe 6|5 and inlet pipev 6|2. Valve plug 600 is provided with two curved conduits 606 and 601, each of which has two end openings through the circumference of the plug at points 90 degrees from each other, and one of such openings in one curved conduit is spaced circumferentially 90 degrees from the adjacent opening of the other curved conduit. As shown in Fig. 8, the plug is in position with arrow 000 registering with arrow 006 on the casing, so that the curved conduit 606 establishes communication between casing ports 602 and 004, and at the same time the other curved conduit 001 establishes communication between casing ports 003 and 605, but it is obvious that when the plug is rotated through 90 degrees so that the arrow 000 will register with arrow 0|0 on the casing, the curved conduit 606 will then establish communication betwen casing ports 002 and 003, and at the same time the other curved conduit 001 will establish communication between casing ports 604 and 605.

In considering the operation of the invention shown in Fig. l and hereinbefore described, it is vdneaainguliauo- 12Iand to be noted that three groups or sets of valves. 15

. 2,182,724 lsn and zl--za--su-zs, provide the nula sy`stem with thre separate valve control vpoints. Thus, in addition to designating such three separate valve groups, respectively, it will be understood that the referencecharacters A, B and C also indicate the three separate valve control points that are formed by such three separate valve groups. f

A150, it is to be noteathat although there is separate and independent action between valve groups, that is not true of the individual valve units in each valve group, where movement oi one valve unit of a valve group causes simultaneous movement of all other valve units in that same valve group. For example; in-Group A, the link connection between the valves 6 and I1 results in either of them being open when the other is closed. Similarly, in Group C, the link connection between the valves I 8 and I9 results I in either of them being open whenthe other is closed. However, in the case of Group B, the link connection -between the upper pair of valves 2|-29 and the lower pair of valves 90-25 results in both of the upper pair of valves being open .when both of the lower pair of valves are closed,

and conversely results, o! necessity, in both of the lower pair of valves being open when both of the upper pair of valves are closed. Y

In the following description of operation, it is to be borne in mind that .the purpose of the invention is to be able to stop the uid ilow, if started, or start the iiuid ilow, if stopped, in the system as a whole, from any valve control point, regardless of the particular positions of the valves at other valve control points, and regardless of hcw great the distance between such valve control points. In short, the object is to provide means whereby the uid ilow may be stopped or started from any one selected of three or more valve control points at any time, and this, by merely operating a valve at such one selected valve control point, and without the necessity for changing the positions of any of the valves at any of the other such valve control points.

An understanding of the operation cf the form of the invention shown in Fig. 1 may be aided by letting O represent the open position, and X represent the closed position, of each upper valve or of each upper pair of valves, in each valve group, and then it will be seen that the following combinations of positions are possible in the fluid system:

Flow started Flow stopped Group Group Group Group Group Group A B C A B C o o o X X X O X X X 0 0 X O X O X O X X O 0 0 X nation, and any change in any of the Flow stopped combinations will produce a Flow started combination.

would stop the ilow of fluid through the system `By way oi illustration, if consideration is given to the rst of the Flow started" combinations in the above list. the situation thus presented in, Fig. 1 is that upper valve .|6 (Group A) and upper va've 2| (Group B) and upper valve I8 (Group 5 C) are all open, which results in the flow being maintained through the system as a whole. However, in this combination, in case upper valve I6 were moved lfrom open to closed position, that l0 as a whole, since then the fluid would have free Y passage through valves I6 and 2|, but would be stopped from continuing on through the now closed valve I8 and would be stopped from bypassing through the now open valve I9 (because of link connection, valve |9 being open when valve I8 is closed) by reason of such by-passing being necessarily through intermediate branch pipe 21, in which valve 30 is still closed, due toits link connection with the still open valve 2| oi this combination under consideration. Similarly, in the event of, instead of valve Il, the valve 2| were closed, there would be a stopping of ow through the system as a whole, because then the iluid could by-pass such closed valve 2| `only through the intermediate branch 21 (wherein now open valve 39 would permit passage therethrough), but from branch 21 the iluid would be led into the lower main branch where the still closed valve I9 would stop ow therethrough. Similarly, in the event of, instead of valve I8 or valve 2|, the valve I6 were closed, there would be a stopping of how through the system as a whole, because the fluid could then pass through the "then open valve I1 but could not pass from there through either the "still closed" valve 25 or the still closed valve I9. Thus, as above explained, by closing any one (either I8 or 2| or I6) of the valves in the above-identified Flow started combination |6-2I-I8 it will be seen that 0 the flow through the system as a whole will be stopped thereby.

On the other hand, by way of illustration, if consideration is'given to the rst of the fvFlow -stopped combinations in the above list, the sita uation thus presented would be that upper valve I6 (Group A) and upper valve 2| (Group B) and upper valve I8 (Group C) would all be closed, which would result in the flow being stopped through the system as a whole. However, in this u combination, in case upper valve I6 were moved from closed to open position, that would start the ilow of uid through the system as a whole, since then the fluid would have free passage through such now open valve I6, and although stopped u l by the "still closed valve 2|, the fluid could bypass by way of intermediate branch 21 through "still open" valve 30 (Group B) and from there continue through the still open valve I9 (Group C). Similarly, in this same last-mentioned combination, in the event of, instead of valve I6, the valve 2| were opened, that would start the ow through the system as a whole, since then the tluid would have free passage through the "still open valve I1 (due to its link connection with still closed valve I6) andl then by way of intermediate branch 26 through now open" valve 29 and thence continue through the "still open" valve I9. Similarly, in this same last-mentioned combination, in the event of, instead of either valve I6 or 2|, the valve I6 were opened, that would start the iiow through the system as a whole, since then the iluid would have free passage through the still open valve I1 (Group A) and thence through .the still open valve 26 7l (Group B) and then continue by way of the crossconnection 23 through the "now open" vvalve Il. Thus. as above explained, by opening any one (either I6 or 2i or Il) of the valves in the aboveidentiiled Flow stopped" combination Il-2 I--Il it will be seen that the flow through the system as a whole will be started thereby.

Without applying the same detailed analysis (as above applied to both open combination Flow started. I6-2I-I8 and also closed combination "Flow stopped I82I|0 to each of the other three open combinations and to each of the other three closed combinations listed earlier in this description of the operation of the invention shown in Fig. 1, it is desired to emphasize that it is possible, regardless of how far removed from each other are valve groups A, B and C, to control the iiow through the system as a whole, from any one of the control points A, B or C, irrespective of how the valves have been left, either open or closed, at the other two control points.

Furthermore, although shown in Fig. 1 as applied to only three (3) valve groups, the invention may be applied to more than three valve groups. In fact, the number of valve groups like Group B" which may be added in series between the two end valve groups A and C is unlimited. In any case, the uid system will still be subject to control from any one of such more than three valve control points at any time.

In the foregoing, I have described the operation' of the invention as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing, but instead of the valve group identified as Group B being composed of valves of the particular form and arrangement shown in such Fig. 1, it is pointed out that such Group B may be composed of compound valves oi other forms, such as those illustrated in Figs. 2 to 8, inclusive, of the drawing.

For example, in Fig. 2 there is an arrangement and inter-connection of pipes similar to that shown in Fig. l, but with arotary-plug-type compound valve substituted for the valves comprising Group B in Fig. 1. Thus, as shown in Fig. 2, the upper pair of ports are open and the lower pair of ports are closed, but when the valve plug carrying 11 such upper and lower pairs of ports is rotated through 90 degrees,then the upper pair of ports close and the lower pair of ports open.

Again. in Fig. 3 there is an arrangement and inter-connection of pipes similar to that shown in Fig. 1, but with a reciprocating-plug-type compound valve substituted for the valves comprising Group B in Fig. 1. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3, the upper pair of ports are open and the lower pair of ports are closed, but ii the valve plug carrying all such upper and lower pairs of ports is raised, then the lower pair`of ports' will open and the upper pair of ports will be closed.

Next, turning to Fig. 4, it will be observed that there are no intermediate branch pipes corres- 2Jonding to intermediate branch pipes 26 and 2l of Fig. 1, but in Fig. 4 the inlet pipes 4II and 4I2 and the outlet pipes 4I4 and 4I5 correspond, respectively, to inlet pipes Il and I2 and outlet pipes I4 and I5 of Fig. 1, while in Fig. 4 the cross-connecting pipe 423 corresponds to the cross-connecting pipe 23 of Fig. 1. Also, in Fig.

`4r, the four (4) valves are mounted on the single ananas seated. the mst and third valves are both raised and thus open.

With the compound valve and cross-connecting pipe shown in Fig. 4 substituted for the Group B valves and cross-connecting pipes oflFlg. l, it will be clear what will happen under various conditions possible to exist in such Groups A, B and C. Thus Ifor exampleassuming` that the end valves controlling `inlet pipe 4II andoutlet pipe 4I5, respectively, are both open, then in the position of the valve shown in Fig. 4, it will be obvious that the ow .will be started through the system as a whole, because then the flow will be from "open valved inlet pipe 4II into chamber 408, past open valve 401", into chamber 401 and thence into open valved outlet pipe 4I5. However, if, instead of both being assumed to be open valved, it be assumed that inlet pipe 4I I is still "open valved", but that outlet pipe 4I! is changed to closed valved", then it will be obvious that the ilow will be stopped through the system as a whole, because then the ilow will be through open valved" inlet pipe 4I I, into the chamber 40,3. past Open valve 401", into chamber 40T, and thence into "now closed valved outlet pipe 4I5. Again, if, instead of both being assumed to be open valved, it be assumed that outlet pipe 4I5 is still open valved", but that inlet pipe 4II is changed to closed valved, then it will be obvious that the ilow will be stopped through the system as a whole, because then the ilow will be through open valved" inlet pipe 4I2 (by reason of its companion inlet pipe 4II being changed to closed valved), into chamber 408, past open valve 409", into chamber 400, and thence by way of cross-connection 423 into the closed valved" outlet pipe 4I4 (by reason of its companion outlet pipe 4I5 being still open valved).

On the other hand, if such inlet pipe and outlet pipe, 4II and 4I5 respectively, were both still' assumed to be "open valved", but the valve stem 402 were assumed to be screwed down so th'at the valve 401, instead o! being shown raised from its seat as in Fig. 4, would be moved to seated position, resulting in the valve 406 being simultaneously moved oil' its seat, then it would be obvious that the iiow would be stopped through the system as a whole, because then the ilow would be from open valved" inlet pipe 4II inw chamber 408, past open valve 400", into chamber 405 and-thence into outlet pipe 4I4, which is closed valved by reason of its companion outlet pipe 4I5 being still assumed to be "open valved. However, if the valve stem 402 be again assumed to be screwed down so that the valve 401" is moved to seated position from its open position shown in Fig. 4, but if, instead of both being assumed to be open valved, it be assumed that inlet pipe 4II is still open valved and outlet pipe 4I5 is changed to closed valved, then it will be obvious that the flow will be started through the system as a whole, because then the flow will be through open-valved inlet pipe 4I I, into chamber 406, past now open-valvedl 406",

into chamber 405, and thence into open valved" outlet pipe 4I4- (by reason of its companion outlet pipe 4I5 in this example assumed to be closed valved). Again, if the valve stem 402 be -still assumed to be screwed down so that valve valved inlet pipe 4|2 (by reason of its companion inlet pipe 4| being assumed to be changed to closed valved), into chamber 408, past now open valve 408", into chamber 401, and thence 'into' open valved pipe 4|5.

Next, turning to Fig. 6, the general valve form is the same as in Fig. 4, except for the addition of the partition 6l3 and the provision of the one-way check valves 6|8, 6|9, 620 and 62| in passage-ways as shown leading from the different valves. Without repeating the operation of the form of the invention shown in Fig. 4, it is to be noted that such Fig. 4 operation is the same as that of Fig. 6, except that in Fig. 6 the partition and check-valves positively prevent back pressure on those valves which are in closed or seated position. For example, fluid iiowing past checkvalve 62| and thence through cross-connecting pipe 623 into outlet pipe 6|4 is prevented by check valve 6|8 from exerting back pressure on now closed valve 606, and similarly, fluid owing past check valve 6I9 is prevented by check valve 620 from exerting back pressure on now closed valve 608.

Next, turning to Fig. 7, the valve structure and certain of the pipe arrangements and connections differ from those in Fig. 1, but the same ultimate result is attained thereby in the control of the iluid flow from any one of three or more valve control points. With the compound valve and connecting pipes shown in Fig. 7 substituted for Group B valves and cross-connecting pipes shown in Fig. 1, it will be obvious what will happen under various conditions possible to exist in such Groups A, B and C. Thus, for example,` if the end valves controlling inlet pipe 1|| and outlet pipe 1l4 are both assumed to be open valved, then, in the position' of the valves shown in Fig. '7, the flow will start in the system as a whole,

because then the iow will be from open valved let pipe 1|4 is changed toclosed valved, then it will be obvious that the flow will be stopped through the system as a whole because then the flow will be from open valved inlet pipe 1||, successively through registering ports 12|, 143 and 122, into now closed valved outlet pipe 1|4. Furthermore, in this same situation, the iiow will, from "open valved pipe 1| through cross-connecting pipe 132, be stopped` by the valve port 144 in the compound valve 139 being out of register with such cross-connecting pipe 132. Again, if instead of both being assumed to be open valved, it be assumed that outlet -pipe 1| 4 is still open valved, but that inlet pipe 1|I is changed to closed valved, then it will be obvious that the flow will be stopped through the system as a whole, because then the flow will be from open valved inlet pipe 1I2 (by. reason of its vcompanion pipe 1|| being now assumed to be closed valved), by way of cross-connecting pipe 128, and then completely stopped by the .closed valved (by reason oi its companion outlet pipe 1|4 being assumed to be open valved).

On the other hand, if such inlet pipe 1| and outlet pipe 1|4 be both assumed kto be open valved", but the valves 138 and 138 be turned through degrees, that would stop the flow through the system as a .whole because then the iluid,\aiter having` iree passage through the open-valved. inlet pipe 1H, would be stopped, by reason of the valve port 143 being now turned out of register with pipe 1| Furthermore, in this same situation, such uid could by-pass such closed valve only by way of cross-connecting pipe 132, thence through port 144 (now in register therewith). but from such port 144 the fluid ...would be led through branch 133 into outlet pipe 1li, which, being closed valved would stop ow therethrough. However, it the valves 138 and 139 be still assumed to be turned through 90 degrees from their positions shown in Fig. 7, but instead of both being, assumed to be Open valved, it be assumed that inlet pipe 1I| is still "open valved, but outlet pipe 1|4 is changed to closed valved. then it will be obvious that the flow will be started in the system as a whole, because then the flow will be from "open valved inlet pipe 1H, thence by way ofthe connecting pipe 132, throh the valve port 144 (now in register therewith by reason oi valve 139 being assumed to be turned 90 degrees), and thence into the registering branch pipe 133, thence into outlet pipe 1I5 (now open valved by reason of its companion pipe 1|4 being now assumed to `be closed valved). Again, if the valves 138 and 139 be still assumed to be turned through 90 degrees from their positions shown in Fig. '1, but instead of both being assumed to be "open valved, it be assumed that outlet pipe 1|4 is stili open valved but inlet pipe 1|| is changed to closed valved, then it will be obvious that the ow will be started through the system as a whole, because then the now will be-from open valved inlet pipe 1| 2 (by reason of its companion pipe 1|| being now assumed to be changed to closed valved) by way of cross-connecting pipe 128, through valve port 140 registering therewith, thence into branch pipe 120, and thence into outlet pipe 1|4 (still assumed to be "open valved).

Finally, of all the diil'erent forms oi.' compound valve suggested herein for use as substitutes for the valves in Group B of Fig. l, the simplest and most compact is that shownin Fig. 8. Thus, for example, if the end valves controlling inlet pipe 0|| and outlet pipe 8| 4 are both open, then in the position of the valve in Fig. 8, the 110W in the system as a whole will be stopped, because then the vflow will be from the open valved inlet pipe 8| i, successively through ports 802, 806 and 804, into outlet pipe SI5, which is assumed to be closed valved (by reason of its companion pipe 8H being assumed to be open valved). However, if, instead of both being assumed to be open valved", it be assumed that inletpipe 8|| is still open valved, but outlet pipe 0|4 is changed to closed valved, then it will be obvious 'that the ow will be started through the system as a whole, because then the ow will be from the open valved inlet pipe 8| i, successively through ports 002, 306 and 804, into outlet pipe IIS, which is now open valved (by reason of its companionpipe 0|4 being assumed to be changed to closed valved"). Again, ii', instead of being assumed tobe both open valved, it be assumed that outlet pipe 0|4 is still open valved, but inlet pipe lli is changed to closed valved, then outlet pipe 8H were both assumed to be open valved", but the valve 800 be turned through 90 degrees, so that the arrow 803 registers with the arrow 8l0, then that would start the ilow of iluid through the system as a whole, because then the ow would be from open valved inlet pipe ll I, successively through ports 002, Bill and |03, into open valved outlet pipe 8M. However, it the valve 800 be still assumed'to be moved through 90 degrees from its position shown in Fig. 8, but instead of both being assumed to be "open valved, it be assumed that inlet pipe III is still open valved and outlet pipe lll be changed to closed valved, then the iiow will be stopped through the system as a whole, because then the flow would be from the open valv inlet pipe 8| l, successively through ports 802, 806 and B03. into outlet pipe 814, now assumed to be closed valved. Again, if the valve 800 be still assumed to be moved through 90 degrees from its position shown in Fig. 8, but instead of both being assumed to be "open valved, it be assumed that outlet pipe 8M is still assumed to be open valved, but inlet pipe 8|! be assumed to be changed to closed valved, then the flow will be stopped through the system as a whole because then the flow would be from the "open valved" pipe Il! (by reason of its companion pipe Oil being assumed to be closed valved") successively through ports |05, 801 and, IM. into outlet pipe all, which is still "closed valved" (by reason oi its companionl pipe lil being still assumed to be open valved).

What I claim is: A system for controlling flow through a pipe line at any one oi a plurality of stations therein which comprises a pipe line formed by an inlet section and an outlet section in communication with each other solely by iirst 'and second conduits each oi.' which communicates at its inlet end with the inlet section and at its outlet end with the outlet section, a two way valve in each iirst and second conduit arranged to be operated together so that one is open when the other is closed, said valves together forming a valve unit, a similar valve unit spaced from the iirst men-- `positions to eifect iiow from the inlet portion of the first conduit to the outlet of the second con-v duit and from the inlet portion of the second conduit to the outlet portion of the rst conduit.

JOHN BRENDAN HENNESSY. 

